by: Sylvie Stewart
Series: Love on Tap
Genre: Romantic Comedy/Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 2, 2023
Publisher: Rolling Hearts Press
Hollis Hayes is the worst neighbor in the entire history of neighbors.
She’s also the hottest.
F.M.L.
I don’t have time to fight with the dog groomer next door. There’s a brewery to run, siblings to rein in, and a mom to look after. So if Hollis thinks I’ll roll over and let her drive me out of business, she’s not nearly as smart as she thinks she is.
Sure, I enjoy the little pranks we play on each other, and I don’t hate watching her prance around in those tight leggings. But she’s gone too far this time, even if she pretends to know nothing about it.
I’ll do whatever it takes to save my business from going under, and if that means playing dirty with the girl I love to hate, game on.
If you like snarky banter, sizzling chemistry, big crazy families, and evil geniuses, Ale’s Fair in Love and War is your next weekend read. It is a standalone steamy romantic comedy with tons of heart and an HEA.
CHAPTER TWO
A VIGILANTE’S WORK IS NEVER DONE
HOLLIS
The bell rings over the door again, and my eyes flash to the brawny figure darkening my doorway.
Speak of the devil—literally.
His scruffy jaw is locked tight, the tension in his shoulders telling the story of his less-than-ideal day. As those piercing blue eyes drill into mine, it occurs to me, not for the first time, what a crying shame it is that such beautiful eyes are wasted on a troll like Cash Brooks.
“Well, hello, neighbor.” I paste on my brightest smile. “What brings you to my salon today? Need a cold shower?” My tone is drenched in so much syrup I might give myself an actual cavity.
Cash stalks toward my counter, worn work boots scuffing the tile as he approaches. I purposely ignore the way his thigh muscles strain the denim of his jeans.
When he stops just across from me, chest heaving and lips curled into an angry snarl, I respond by wrinkling my nose and waving a hand in front of it. “I’d say so. You smell like a brewery.”
This is simply too easy.
A growl spills from his curled lips, indicating that my latest prank has rendered him incapable of speaking in human. Just as well, considering what a giant bull-headed caveman he is.
A crimson flush licks at the skin just under Cash’s stubbled chin. “You posted an ad for my virginity?!”
My brows draw together as I fix a pout to my lips. “Oh, did nobody take you up on the offer?” I reach over the shiny pink counter separating us and pat his shoulder, ignoring its muscular firmness. “Don’t be embarrassed. Virginity is just a social construct anyway.”
He shakes my hand off with a jerk of his arm, and I cover my pout with a contemplative finger. “Although maybe I shouldn’t have said anything about your looks.” I lean closer to whisper, “I just didn’t want anyone to be disappointed when they met you.”
He jabs the air in front of my nose with his finger. “You’d better prepare yourself, lady.”
I slap his hand away without missing a beat. “Lady? Oh, you are cruel, aren’t you?” I coo at him, causing his jaw to do that clicking thing I so enjoy.
“You ain’t seen nothin’ yet,” Cash grinds out through clenched teeth.
With that, he whips around and stalks back to my front door, giving me a prime view of his inconveniently nice ass.
“I haven’t seen anything yet,” I correct him but don’t get the pleasure of his responding expression. “Have a wonderful day!” I shout.
His growl is just barely audible as he disappears out of sight.
Ah, it is, indeed, a most wonderful day.
A VIGILANTE’S WORK IS NEVER DONE
HOLLIS
The bell rings over the door again, and my eyes flash to the brawny figure darkening my doorway.
Speak of the devil—literally.
His scruffy jaw is locked tight, the tension in his shoulders telling the story of his less-than-ideal day. As those piercing blue eyes drill into mine, it occurs to me, not for the first time, what a crying shame it is that such beautiful eyes are wasted on a troll like Cash Brooks.
“Well, hello, neighbor.” I paste on my brightest smile. “What brings you to my salon today? Need a cold shower?” My tone is drenched in so much syrup I might give myself an actual cavity.
Cash stalks toward my counter, worn work boots scuffing the tile as he approaches. I purposely ignore the way his thigh muscles strain the denim of his jeans.
When he stops just across from me, chest heaving and lips curled into an angry snarl, I respond by wrinkling my nose and waving a hand in front of it. “I’d say so. You smell like a brewery.”
This is simply too easy.
A growl spills from his curled lips, indicating that my latest prank has rendered him incapable of speaking in human. Just as well, considering what a giant bull-headed caveman he is.
A crimson flush licks at the skin just under Cash’s stubbled chin. “You posted an ad for my virginity?!”
My brows draw together as I fix a pout to my lips. “Oh, did nobody take you up on the offer?” I reach over the shiny pink counter separating us and pat his shoulder, ignoring its muscular firmness. “Don’t be embarrassed. Virginity is just a social construct anyway.”
He shakes my hand off with a jerk of his arm, and I cover my pout with a contemplative finger. “Although maybe I shouldn’t have said anything about your looks.” I lean closer to whisper, “I just didn’t want anyone to be disappointed when they met you.”
He jabs the air in front of my nose with his finger. “You’d better prepare yourself, lady.”
I slap his hand away without missing a beat. “Lady? Oh, you are cruel, aren’t you?” I coo at him, causing his jaw to do that clicking thing I so enjoy.
“You ain’t seen nothin’ yet,” Cash grinds out through clenched teeth.
With that, he whips around and stalks back to my front door, giving me a prime view of his inconveniently nice ass.
“I haven’t seen anything yet,” I correct him but don’t get the pleasure of his responding expression. “Have a wonderful day!” I shout.
His growl is just barely audible as he disappears out of sight.
Ah, it is, indeed, a most wonderful day.
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The Love on Tap Series:
Smooth Hoperator releases July 6, 2023
Places to find Sylvie Stewart:
Great excerpt and book cover.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI enjoyed reading the well done excerpt!
ReplyDeleteAnd especially this warm cover.
Thank you for sharing this.
I really enjoyed the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm so glad
DeleteThe sounds really good. I enjoyed the blurb and excerpt. Cute cover!
ReplyDeleteYay - thanks!
DeleteSounds like a good read.
ReplyDeleteI love all of Sylvie Stewart's 'Carolina' book series.
ReplyDeleteThanks, girl!! <3
Deleteentertaining excerpt
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great romantic comedy/contemporary romance story! I like the cover.
ReplyDeleteThe cover art is amazing. It sets the tone for the book.
ReplyDeleteYay - thanks <3
DeleteThanks so much!!
ReplyDelete